University of Sanctuary Scholarships

The University of Sanctuary Scholarship is available to new Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Masters students taking up a place to study in October 2025, who have UK Asylum status or Discretionary/Limited Leave to Remain as a result of an asylum application, and those with Humanitarian Protection, as result of an asylum application or through a dependants claim.

The scholarship includes:

A full tuition fee waiver on a one-year full time Postgraduate Taught Masters programme

University accommodation

£6,000 to support living and study costs

Eligibility

Immigration status: Eligibility will be based on the following permissions being granted by the Home Office and alignment with UNHCR guidelines:

a refugee (subject to obtaining an appropriate permissions), or

granted Refugee or Humanitarian Protection status, or

discretionary Leave to Remain, or

Limited Leave to Remain following an asylum application, individually or through a dependent's

claim, or be seeking asylum within the UK

Leave to remain must cover the duration of your studies

A recognised refugee in a third country who obtains the appropriate visa from the UK to study here for the duration of that degree programme.

These scholarships are restricted to students who are Home UK or overseas fee payers and are entirely self-funded.

All applicants must have received a conditional or unconditional offer to study an eligible Postgraduate programme at the University of Essex before you can apply for the Sanctuary Scholarship.

Students must register for the first year (Year1) of a full-time Masters degree at the University of Essex in October 2025

This scholarship may not be held in conjunction with other University awards, except for the Refugee Bursary. Students who are eligible for this award and are joining Essex through a link agreement, which includes a discounted fee, will receive the award which is greater in value.